Check for Injuries After the car accident, immediately determine if someone is injured. If so, call 911 for an ambulance and police to arrive at the scene. Even if the incident was minor and everyone is cooperating, consider calling the police. That way, you'll have an official report to hand over to your insurance company.
Exit the vehicle if you can and turn on the emergency flashers. Never leave the scene of the accident until it is appropriate to do so. If you leave, especially when someone has been injured or died, you may face serious criminal penalties for being a hit-and-run driver. Regardless of where you end up, immediately call 911 and report the accident.
Be as detailed as you can with your location (“in the left turn lane that goes south along N 56 Street, for example). It is essential to exchange insurance information with the other driver to ensure that damages are properly addressed. Otherwise, you risk complications in the future when deciding who is responsible. If you choose not to file a police report at the scene, you have ten days from the date of the accident in the state of Florida to file it.
Never leave the scene of an accident, even of minor importance. Their first priority is safety; everything else can wait, says Rob Luna, manager of the American Automobile Association's auto claims group in Costa Mesa, California. In the meantime, evaluate your injuries. Were you hurt enough to need medical attention? If so, call 911 so they can send emergency personnel.
After moving your car to a safe location, call the police and let them know you've been in a car accident. In some states, including Tennessee, you are legally required to report the accident. Learn what to do in the event of a car accident and the steps to follow after an accident in order to protect your rights.
